Atlanta, GA — Once a staple of golf courses and retirement communities, golf carts have become the latest suburban status symbol — and they’re rolling into neighborhoods across America. From family errands to school pickups, these compact vehicles are now replacing cars for everyday use.
But as their popularity surges, experts warn that safety concerns and weak regulations are turning these casual rides into potential hazards.
How One Family Fell in Love With Golf Cart Life
In 2018, Meredith Fish and her family bought their first golf cart to help their 3-year-old son Jacob, who is nonverbal and struggled with car rides. The change, she says, was immediate.
“Something about the fresh air soothed him,” Fish told Yahoo News. “We talk to people more in the community because it’s so much easier to stop and talk to your neighbors when you’re in a golf cart rather than a car.”
The family now uses their upgraded six-seater model for nearly everything — from trips to the park to ice cream runs — and they’re not alone. According to Yahoo News, the U.S. golf cart market is expected to exceed $1 billion within five years, driven by families looking for a cheaper and more sociable transportation option.
Convenience Comes With Growing Concerns
As suburban golf carts become more common, not everyone is thrilled. Parents in North Carolina and Texas have complained about families using carts to cut school pickup lines or ignoring traffic laws.
“We’ve had teenagers driving golf carts, drinking,” said Texas realtor Vanessa Bradford. “Now we have dead children.”
In some neighborhoods, police have issued warnings to stop young drivers from clogging parking lots or riding unsafely through residential areas. Reports of thefts, crashes, and underage drivers have prompted discussions about tighter oversight and stricter age restrictions.
Research Shows Rising Injury Rates Among Children
A recent study from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia found a sharp increase in golf cart injuries among children and adolescents over the past decade.
- 44% of reported injuries involved the head, face, or neck.
- Nearly half of the victims were under 12 years old.
- Over one-quarter of pediatric golf cart injuries were classified as severe.
“Few of us are educated on how dangerous [golf carts] can be,” said James Roswold, a Kansas City injury attorney. “They’re neither automobile-like nor well-built to give good protection in a crash. Most don’t even come with seat belts.”
Families Focusing on Safety
Some families, like Allison Cope’s, are finding safer ways to integrate golf carts into their routines. Cope, a dual-military parent living in San Diego, bought a secondhand golf cart after comparing its costs to maintaining her husband’s Ford F-350.
“It’s nice for going down to the beach, because you’re not getting all the sand in your car,” Cope said.
Before buying, her family consulted with the DMV and AAA for guidance and made sure to install:
- Seat belts, mirrors, and turn signals
- Speed limit compliance systems
- Routine safety checks and maintenance
These upgrades align with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s recommendations that parents limit golf cart use by minors, avoid main roads, and educate children on safety measures.
A Lifestyle With Risks and Rewards
For many suburban families, golf carts offer an affordable, eco-friendly way to connect with their neighbors and simplify local travel. Still, experts stress that responsible ownership and proper safety measures are crucial as their use expands beyond golf courses.
“There’s always a risk driving a vehicle,” Cope said. “But it’s been a whole life change for our family. The fact that we were able to get one … it’s been amazing.”
What do you think about the growing golf cart trend — harmless fun or a hidden danger? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
